Happy Plan a Solo Vacation Day!
March 1 is Plan a Solo Vacation Day.
Of course that means planning a cruise. Cruises are ideal for solo travelers. While solo travelers often need to worry about the dreaded single supplement, there are a few ways to avoid paying double the price just because you are sailing solo.
Here are a few tips for planning your solo cruise adventure.
- First find a good travel agent. They can search and find dates that have reduced or no single supplement charges.
- That good travel agent should know which cruise lines offer cabins specifically for solo travelers. NCL was one of the first to offer cabins just for this person. They are all inside cabins, are small, but are ideal for solo travelers. There are social leaders who organize events, dinners and other gatherings just for cruisers staying in this enclave.
- Travel in the off-season or the beginning or end of the season. Repositioning cruises often offer lower fares.
- Sail on an older ship. Ships are updated all the time, so old doesn’t mean worn.
- If you are nervous about traveling solo, find events on board where you can meet other people. Many larger ships have gatherings for single cruisers. Just be aware that some people thing of these as matchmaking groups.
- Join the sailaway.
- Sign up for a shore excursion. It’s a good way to meet people with similar interests.
- Check group cruises that feature a musical group, crafting event or even a conference. You will already have something in common with other guests. There are plenty of pickleball cruises!
- Don’t rule out expedition cruises. Some will pair you with a roommate if you request. Some also have single cabins specifically for solo cruisers.
- Choose a smaller ship for cruising. Join the camaraderie.
- Get out on deck!
There are more people traveling solo than you might imagine, especially women. Take some time for yourself.
Don’t wait for somebody to travel with you. If your dream is to sail through the Panama Canal or the rivers of Europe or even to Antarctica, just do it! Life is short.
Sail Away!